Rick Mayer
Digital ProducerI’m the online producer for Health News Florida, a collaboration of public radio stations and NPR that delivers news about health care issues.
This is an important position at WUSF. In 2019, the typical U.S. family spent about 11 percent of its annual income on health care, so it stands to reason issues of cost, quality, access and innovation are consequential to all Floridians. Then COVID-19 came along, and the weight of these matters gained exponentially. I take our reporting on these topics quite seriously, as I’m sure you do, too.
Literally growing up in newsrooms and a little serendipity along the way prepared me well for the post. Here’s the abridged version: I’m a Tampa guy, graduating from H.B. Plant High and thrust into the world with my USF degree rolled tightly in hand. From there, it was three mostly sleepless decades as an editor at The Tampa Tribune, then developing and managing an online journal serving physician executives. There’s also my side job editing a statewide health magazine.
And being married to a longtime hospital nurse/case manager helps; dinner conversation often gives me a feel of what’s happening on the front lines. The good and not-so-good.
Of course, my time isn’t always spent flailing in the health news vortex. You’re actually more likely to find me breaking down the Bucs, Bulls or Bolts after a game, taking Oodle the poodle to the dog park or tinkering the backroom piano while vicariously reliving my former life as a musician. (Remember, kids: Parents of percussionists have plenty of patience. Plenty!)
Contact Rick on X @rmayer2361 or by email at Mayer1@wusf.org.
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A study identifies gene activity differences in spinal tissue, offering insight into a condition whose causes remain largely unknown. -
CEO Ken Babby says the Rays want Tampa's 3.5% contribution to the $2.3 billion stadium, but "we can't beg." Meanwhile, an Orlando group makes a move as the eleventh hour nears for the Tampa proposal. -
Tampa Bay begins the season Oct. 1 at the New York Rangers, then opens at home two days later against the Washington Capitals. For the first time since 1994, the NHL will play an 84-game slate. -
Opening day is contingent on owners and the players’ union reaching an agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement. The current labor contract expires Dec. 1, and a lockout is expected. -
Tampa Bay's longtime third baseman makes a final entrance at the Trop from 162 Landing while Tantric gives a live performance of his walkup song, "Down and Out." No one will again wear No. 3 for the Rays. -
The complaint, filed in Tampa federal court, alleges the drugmaker unlawfully cut off discounts in the pdiscounts, forcing TGH to pay higher prices for medications that only Eli Lilly can provide. -
Before transferring from Stanford, the Bulls’ Mudia Reuben used his name, image and likeness earnings to start a nonprofit that is bringing clean water to Nigerian villages where his family has roots. -
Predominant features in the new drawings are sky views through the see-thru cantilevered roof and an larger aquarium-like rays touch tank showcased in an expansive plaza entrance. -
Parts of Tropicana Field's upper deck will be open Friday through Sunday for "Longo Legacy Weekend," which includes giveaways, a concert by Tantric and the display of Longo's No. 3 above the left-field seats. -
Joining third baseman Junior Caminero are Tampa Bay pitchers Drew Rasmussen and Bryan Baker, and designated hitter Yandy Diaz. More could be added if others opt out. The game is on July 14 in Philadelphia.
